Frequent Flyer
Miles

If you fly and don't get anything in the way of frequent
flyer miles - you're getting ripped off! In most cases, it's free to get
reward miles.

So many programs...so little space to discuss them all. Frequent
flyer miles and the products of airline reward systems can make air travel
much more enjoyable if you just take a little time to get to know the ins
and outs.

Getting Started

Whether you fly on a regular basis or infrequently - you should be
enrolled in a frequent flyer miles reward program. You don't need to
be a frequent flyer to join or earn miles. First, you need to decide
which program to join (maybe even choose two). Things to consider
when choosing which program: which major carrier flies out of your local
or nearest airport, if you're near a major airport where there are many
airlines - which do you prefer, also take into consideration some comments
from others on the web about which programs are easy to use and those
which are not user friendly. Also, take into consideration which
airline services the areas where you want to fly the most. If you
fly a lot to the islands in the Caribbean, you might want to consider
American Airlines. If you fly a lot to a particular city - you might
want to check if that area is a major hub of a certain carrier - flights
might be more regular, cost less, or use less reward miles.

Ways to Earn Miles or Points

The easiest way to earn miles or points is to use a travel rewards
credit card. The first year fee is usually waived (and sometimes
free for life - at least if you barter well...), almost everyone uses a
credit card anyway, and when you get a new credit card there is usually a
promotion and the airline usually includes a number of points or reward
miles for "free". Another quick way to earn miles is to FLY! The
miles add up quick. Some companies give more miles if you have more
"segments". Make sure you give the ticketing agent your rewards
program ID number to get proper credit.

Choosing the best reward credit card can be tough. If you are
looking for one rewards program in particular you might not have many
choices. Such as the Delta Skymiles program - the credit cards are
all American Express. APR should be considered, but if you pay your
credit card statement each month you don't need to worry about this as
much. Look for : interest rate, annual fee, intro interest
rate, intro rate length, rewards program (points or miles), if reward
points - can you use at any airline, mileage exchange dollar/mile or
sometimes 2 miles/dollar spent.

Other ways to earn miles include: Buying from establishments that have
a partnership with the rewards program. This includes everything
from hotels, car rentals, florists, business supply stores, long distance,
cell phone, mortgage/finance, etc!

Switching Reward Programs

It may happen that you need to switch from one reward program to
another. This isn't that big of an ordeal as you'd think. Some
airlines may give you a mileage credit to earn your business, but it isn't
common. It is easiest to sign up and get started on earning miles at
a new program. Then you just need to figure out ways to spend the
miles you've earned on the old program. This could include free
airplane tickets, hotel rooms (if they have a partner and exchange
agreement), car rentals, and there are sites on the web to visit that can
trade your miles for goods.